Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - GE Simon 3: Couple of questions

Hi,
I managed to DIY install GE Simon 3 system to replace the ageing ADT system we had before. I was able to reuse all the wired sensors, but I still have I still have a couple of problems setting up the system entirely.

1. I have problems setting the "Away Mode" The problem is even though Zone 1 is the exit/entry door, in the same room there is a motion detector (Zone 2) which trips when I try arming the system and existing through the door. So, I set the Away mode, the 45 second timer beeps for the exit/entry door sensor (Zone 1), but because Zone 2 is the motion detector, I trip it before I exit the door. How would I go about programming the motion detector so it's on a timer when hitting the away mode.

2. With the "Stay Mode" I also cannot figure out how to disable the motion detector (Zone 2) so it does not trip when I alarm the "Stay Mode." Again, it trips in Stay Mode every time the motion detector is activated.

3. Wireless Smoke alarm - I know that GE has a couple of options for wireless smoke alarms. Currently, we have 4 hardwired [electrical] smoke alarms (one on each and every floor). I would like to add a wireless smoke alarm that would interact with the GE system in case no one is home. Can I replace one of the wired smoke alarms with the wireless smoke alarm? Would tripping one of the alarms also trip the wireless one? Or do I need to replace all four alarms with the wireless ones (expensive venture, given each wireless alarm is $90).

4. The GE wireless accessories, detectors, and sensors are kind of expensive. Does the GE Simon system work with any other accessory brands or types?

Any feedback is appreciated.

Kind regards,

George B.

You need to set the motion to the correct zone type/sensor group.

Set it to type 15: Interior PIR motion sensors. This will be delayed along with the entry exit doors. This should solve problems 1 & 2.

I would be inclined to leave the hardwired interconnect smokes in place, and if you want the advantage of the reporting function, add one or two strategically placed wireless units.

Wireless hardwire is brand specific (for the most part), when you choose a brand, that's what your are pretty much stuck with.

Thank you for the quick response. I will try changing the settings and see if it works.

I would be inclined to leave the hardwired interconnect smokes in place, and if you want the advantage of the reporting function, add one or two strategically placed wireless units.

I guess I was interested in the wireless smoke detector can also work with the wired detectors, so if the wireless detector goes off, it signals other units in the house. Thus, I would leave 3 old fashined electrical detectors, and replace one with the wireless. When one detector is triggered, they all trip and beep, and the wireless one sends the information to security box which calls the fire department.

But I have no indication on the page that it's also hardwired (along with battery) thus it probably does NOT work with the existing systems.

Nope, there's no way for the wireless smokes to do that trick. In general, linking consumer grade hardwire smokes to alarm systems is kludgey at best.